The best of the UK? A report on the value and future of UK databases in the health and social care fields: a systematic map
protocol

2EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK

3PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

4King's College, London, UK

Correspondence to Chris Cooper; chris.cooper{at}pcmd.ac.uk

Received 2 May 2012

Accepted 8 May 2012

Published 31 May 2012

Abstract

Introduction This protocol covers the first part of a two-part project funded by the Health Libraries Group and the University Health
and Medical Librarians Group. It details the proposed methodology for a systematic map of the literature relating to UK bibliographic
databases in the fields of health and social care. The aim of this mapping exercise is to consider ways in which UK bibliographic
databases are described, considered and discussed in the published and unpublished literature. In doing so, we hope to gain
a clearer sense of the ways in which UK bibliographic databases are used and viewed by the research community. It also enables
the identification of any gaps in the literature for further research and discussion. This topic is important because UK databases
are generally underused by researchers in the UK context and some databases are at risk of closure. A lack of access to UK
databases means that researchers may miss relevant UK evidence when identifying an evidence base.

Method Systematic Map.

Analysis The authors will present a narrative description of the literature relating to UK bibliographic databases in the fields of
health and social care. They will use tables to present descriptive information about the literature (eg, frequency tables)
and use cross-tabulations to demonstrate intersecting themes. Separately, guidance on how to use the resources (eg, areas
of unique content, updating frequencies, unique truncation symbols) will be sought from stakeholders and reported alongside
the report narrative as a guide to usage.

Footnotes

Dissemination: The review's findings will be disseminated through the publication of a final report and a conference paper.

To cite: Cooper C, O'Mara-Eves A, Rogers M, et al. The best of the UK? A report on the value and future of UK databases in the health and social care fields: a systematic
map protocol. BMJ Open 2012;2:e001411. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001411

Contributors CC wrote the initial bid and the protocol document. AO'M-E co-wrote the protocol and provided input into the design of the
project. MR commented on the initial bid and the protocol. AB, LC, JL and AG provided comments and feedback on the protocol.

Funding Health Libraries Group and the University Health and Medical Librarians Group, through the ‘Research In the Workplace Award’.

Competing interests CC has previously received funding from Social Policy and Practice to cover transport costs in attendance of a meeting. AG
is an unpaid specialist adviser to the Social Policy and Practice consortium.